September 26, 2020 – Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has confirmed the first case in our region of school-related exposure of COVID-19 in at Glenbrook Elementary School in Shelburne. Public Health is working closely with Upper Grand District School Board to manage the case and reduce further risk to students.
“The safe return to schools and the health of students, staff and their families is Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health’s largest project for the Fall,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health and CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. “This is a reminder that COVID-19 is still present in our region and that keeping our schools as safe as possible will take a community-wide effort. This is an important reminder that we all must wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distancing and keeps our groups and gatherings small. Fewer cases in our community means fewer cases in our schools.”
As the virus continues to circulate in our community, the public should remember they play a vital role in helping reduce the spread of COVID-19 to our schools. Continuing to practice good hand hygiene, maintaining physical distancing, wearing a face covering, staying at home if you are sick and downloading the COVID-19 Alert mobile app are all important steps we can all take to protect our schools and our communities from COVID-19 this Fall.
“It is vital that we protect our children as they return to school so they can realize the many positive benefits of being with their peers and our many dedicated teachers,” said Dr. Mercer. “WDG Public Health’s School Health Team is working directly with every school in our region to help schools maximize public health measures that will help reduce cases in school and manage cases that appear.”
Case management and contact tracing is underway by WDG Public Health. Updates to case counts will occur as this process is finalized. Students and families should follow the direction of Public Health and UGDSB.
Media Contact
Danny Williamson
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4376
danny.williamson@wdgpublichealth.ca